The Birth Of Silicon Valley: TimelineStretching along the peninsula southwest of San Francisco Bay, Silicon Valley is a breeding ground for high-tech startups. But in its early years, the area was nurtured by something relatively new: venture capital. A look at the innovators and key moments that shaped Silicon Valley.

The Birth Of Silicon Valley

April 4, 20123:57 AM ET

Stretching along the peninsula southwest of San Francisco Bay, Silicon Valley is a breeding ground for high-tech startups. But in its early years, the area was nurtured by something relatively new: venture capital. A look at the innovators and key moments that shaped Silicon Valley.